The Henrichenburg boat lift in Waltrop is not just a place worth visiting for technology fans: In addition to the great view of the Dortmund-Ems Canal, the museum offers fun and games for children and adults alike, taking them through the history of the structure in an entertaining way.
The crowd cheered when Kaiser Wilhelm II inaugurated the Henrichenburg boat lift on August 11, 1899. Over 100 years later, visitors are still amazed by this largest structure on the Dortmund-Ems Canal. The gigantic elevator has been idle for over 40 years. The museum brings the history of the lift and the people on the canal back to life.
A staircase leads up to the bridge between the two main towers. From here you can enjoy a fantastic view of the steel structure and the vast canal landscape near Waltrop. In the historic machine hall, you can find out how the waterway and the hoist were built. Using a model, you can learn about the technology used by inland waterway vessels to overcome the 14-metre step in the canal.
The collection of floating tools and historic ships moored in the outer harbor of the boat lift is unique. On board, for example, you can find out how a typical bargeman's family worked and lived 50 years ago. The historic ships are sent out on voyages on special occasions. During the summer season, the passenger ship "Henrichenburg II" regularly departs from the museum quay.
